Could Your Sore Throat Be Strep?

A scratchy sore throat is often the first symptom of the onset of a cold. It's often one of the first reasons for a trip to the doctor's office during cold and flu seasons. If the sore throat is from the onset of a cold virus, then it should only last a few days. Over the counter medicines will help with the symptoms of a viral sore throat and a trip to the doctor's office is usually not necessary.

A sore throat caused from bacteria is a different matter. The streptococcus bacteria is what causes the illness commonly called strep throat. This bacterial infection is highly contagious. Strep throat can be spread through the air from coughs and sneezes. The bacteria can also be picked up from hard surfaces and then transferred to the mouth or nose.

The first symptom of strep bacteria is a very sore throat with painful swallowing. The tonsils and throat are also usually red and appear inflamed. There is sometimes white blotches or pus on the throat or tonsils as well. The illness usually always involves a high fever, swollen lymph glands in the neck and a headache.

Young children are more likely to feel nauseous or vomit. A rash can also accompany the illness from the onset or appear after a few days. The rash is actually Scarlet fever and is a result of the bacteria. The rash is treated with antibiotics just as the strep bacteria.

Children are much more likely to get ill from the strep bacteria than adults. That is not to say adults don't catch it, and when they do, the rate of complications can be higher for adults. Children between the ages of five and fifteen have the highest occurrence of strep throat.

Since so many of these symptoms can mimic other illnesses, it's important to be tested. It's also possible to carry the bacteria in your throat without experiencing any symptoms at all. Tonsils seem to have an important role in how the strep bacteria affect individuals. If the tonsils have been removed, the chance of getting ill from the strep bacteria is greatly reduced.